Mexico City: Historic Center Food Tour & San Juan Market Tastings

Summary

Taste street food in centro historico wander san juan market try cantina snacks

You’ll taste your way through Mexico City’s Centro Historico with stops at San Juan Market, classic cantinas, street stalls, and even Chinatown. Expect laughter with your guide, unexpected flavors (yes, grasshoppers are optional), and glimpses into hidden corners most travelers miss. You’ll leave full—in every sense.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway through a plate of something spicy and bright at San Juan Market when our guide, Alejandra, grinned and handed me a little cup of pulque. I’d never tasted it before—sort of milky, kind of sour? Not what I expected at 11am but apparently that’s the point. The market itself was buzzing—vendors calling out in Spanish, the smell of fresh cilantro everywhere, someone slicing fruit right next to a guy stacking dried chiles. I tried to say “chapulines” (the grasshoppers) like Alejandra did but she just laughed and told me not to worry, everyone messes it up the first time.

Walking through Centro Historico after that was just noise and color—honking horns, old men selling lottery tickets, a woman handing out tamales from a steaming pot. We ducked into this tiny place for tacos al pastor where the tortillas were so soft they almost fell apart in my hand. There was this weird moment when we stepped into an old church-turned-library; everything went quiet except for our footsteps echoing off the murals. It felt like stepping out of the city for a second.

I didn’t expect to end up in Chinatown either (it’s small here), but we stopped for a quick snack—something sweet with sesame seeds that stuck to my fingers. By then my stomach was full and my brain was swirling with stories about emperors and revolutions (Alejandra knows her stuff). I still think about the way she described the city as “a thousand kitchens stacked on top of each other.”

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mexico City's historic food spots

• Visit San Juan Market
• Taste food at 3 spots
• Walk busiest city streets
• See former church library murals
• Eat through Centro Historico
• Pass by Mexico City's Chinatown

Top questions

How long does the Historic Center Food Tour last?

The tour covers several hours walking around Centro Historico and San Juan Market with multiple tasting stops.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available on this food tour?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available if you advise at booking.

Is there alcohol included in this Mexico City food tour?

Yes, alcoholic drinks are included during some tastings such as at a classic cantina or market stall.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

Can children join the Historic Center Food Tour?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; minimum drinking age is 18 years.

What markets will we visit during this Mexico City food tour?

You’ll visit San Juan Market (Mercado de San Juan), known for its diverse foods.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels as it involves walking with frequent stops.

What should I bring or wear for this food tour?

Dress appropriately for weather conditions as the tour operates rain or shine.

What’s included

Your day includes all food tastings—from market snacks to street eats—alcoholic drinks at select stops like the cantina, plus all activities led by an experienced local guide who’ll share stories along every step. Vegetarian and vegan diets can be accommodated if you let them know ahead of time.